It’s quite astonishing to realise, from an online interview given by Paul Metcalfe (pictured left) that the title story of the collection was his very first piece of fiction, since it and the accompanying seven other stories are confidently written, with clever plots and varied themes.

I was particularly diverted to learn from the interview that the atlases of the title story – The Picturesque Atlases of Australasia – are real. Mr Metcalfe even owns copies.  From such triggers are stories born.

We find all the elements of good traditional yarns in the present collection: from a locked room murder mystery to strange disappearances and disguises, from fiendish plots against the British Empire to the discovery of a long-buried skeleton, everything guaranteed to keep the reader guessing while eventually providing, courtesy of Sherlock Holmes of course, most satisfying explanations. I particularly liked the Benevolent Thief who robbed the rich to give to deserving charities, and was delightfully flummoxed by The Questionable Existence of Mrs Carbery’s Companion.  

It was good, as ever, to see Dr Watson relishing his food, and not letting ghastly crimes stand in the way of his enjoyment of an Irish stew or a kedgeree.

As for the final story, The Case of the Stolen Alma-Tademas, the thief is welcome to them as far as I am concerned.

Alma-Tadema’s canvasses of beautiful people in classical settings might have made him one of the most popular artists of the Victorian era, but I have to agree with the critic who described them as “about worthy enough to adorn bourbon boxes”. Nevertheless, the subject makes for a cracking yarn.

The Case of the Australian Atlases and other Sherlock Holmes Adventures is published by MX and available from them in advance of publication. You can also support the project via Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mx-publishing/sherlock-holmes-and-the-case-of-the-australian-atlases/posts/4436797